Motorcycle with haptic braking hazard alert

ABSTRACT

Haptic devices are installed in a motorcycle&#39;s handlebars, footpegs and seat to provide the rider with alerts that relate to hazards. The alert is provided before the rider notices the hazard, or before the rider reacts to the hazard. By giving advance warning, a rider is given extra time to avert a potential accident. The alerts also provide a direct instruction to the rider as to what to do to avoid the accident.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to a motorcycle equipped with haptic devices.More specifically, it relates to a motorcycle equipped with hapticfeedback devices in the handlebars, footpegs and/or seat.

BACKGROUND

Motorcycles are fundamentally unsafe, with riders being many times morelikely to die in an accident than car drivers. Every year, 160 millionmotorcycles are sold, which is double the number of cars. South EastAsia accounts for 86% of the motorcycles that are sold, where theyoutnumber cars by a factor of ten.

In South East Asia, motorcycle ridesharing is fast becoming the primarymode of travel. Rideshare operators are projected to surpass 1 millionrides per day. It is especially important for these companies to use thesafest possible motorcycles.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a motorcycle equipped with hapticfeedback devices in the handlebars, foot pegs and/or seat, which providethe rider with an early warning of a hazard. The haptic devices,depending on their pattern of activation, instruct the rider to backoff, slow down, swerve left or right, or take other corrective action.

Disclosed herein is a motorcycle comprising: at least one haptic deviceconfigured to provide haptic feedback to a rider of the motorcycle; anda control unit connected to the haptic device(s) and configured todetect a condition, and activate at least one of the haptic device(s) inresponse to the condition.

Also disclosed herein is a method for warning a rider of a motorcycle ofa hazard comprising: attaching, to the motorcycle, at least one hapticdevice configured to provide haptic feedback to the rider; attaching, tothe motorcycle, a control unit; connecting the control unit to thehaptic device(s); detecting, by the control unit, a condition; andactivating, by the control unit, at least one of the haptic device(s) inresponse to the condition.

Further disclosed herein is a kit of parts for attachment to amotorcycle, the kit comprising: at least one haptic device configured tomount on the motorcycle and provide haptic feedback to a rider of themotorcycle; a control unit configured to mount on the motorcycle,connect to the haptic device(s), detect a condition, and activate atleast one of the haptic device(s) in response to the condition; and oneor more connectors configured to connect the haptic device(s) to thecontrol unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention, whichshould not be construed as restricting the scope of the invention in anyway.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a motorcycle showing hapticallyenabled handlebars, seat and footpegs, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the main steps that the haptically enabledmotorcycle takes, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a rotatable handlebarequipped with an eccentrically rotating mass, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a handlebar equippedwith a piezoelectric vibrator, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a handlebar equipped with anelectro-active polymer strip, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the handlebar of FIG.5 , when the strip is not activated.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the handlebar of FIG.5 , when the strip is activated.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a fixed handlebarequipped with an eccentrically rotating mass and resonance booster, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a handlebar of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a handlebar with nodules,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the handlebar of FIG. 10 takenalong section A-A.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a haptically enabled motorcycleseat, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a control unit for the hapticdevices, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an exemplary process that the control unitperforms, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a graph of an exemplary activation pattern of a hapticdevice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a graph of another activation pattern of a haptic device,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION A. Glossary

The term “electro-active polymer (EAP)” refers to polymeric materialsthat expand, shrink or bend when a voltage is applied to them. Themotive force may be based on coulombic attraction (electronic EAP), inwhich case the working conditions are dry and high voltage. Alternately,the motive forces may be based on transport of ions (ionic EAP), inwhich case the working conditions are wet and low voltage.

The term “engine control unit (ECU)” refers to the computer thatcontrols and monitors various components and states of an engine.

The term “haptic” refers to both the sense of touch (tactile feedback)and the ability to detect shape and forces (kinesthetic feedback).Tactile feedback is used to detect surface texture, temperature andvibrations, for example. Kinesthetic feedback is used to detect changesin shape, motion, forces and weights.

The term “module” can refer to any component in this invention and toany or all of the features of the invention without limitation. A modulemay be a software, firmware or hardware module.

The term “processor” is used to refer to any electronic circuit or groupof circuits that perform calculations, and may include, for example,single or multicore processors, multiple processors, an ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and dedicated circuitsimplemented, for example, on a reconfigurable device such as an FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array). The processor performs the steps in theflowcharts, whether they are explicitly described as being executed bythe processor or whether the execution thereby is implicit due to thesteps being described as performed by code or a module. The processor,if comprised of multiple processors, may be located together or separatefrom each other.

The term “rider” refers to the person who drives or controls amotorcycle, and is to be distinguished from a person who rides pillionon the motorcycle or otherwise as a passenger.

B. Industrial Applicability

If motorcycle riders on the road could be given just one extra second toavoid a hazard, tens of thousands of accidents could be prevented eachyear. The present invention provides motorcycle riders with an advancewarning of a hazard, either before the rider realizes it, or if therider fails to react to it. While the advance is sometimes brief, itstill provides the rider with valuable thinking and reaction time inwhich to take evasive action.

C. Exemplary Embodiments

Referring to FIG. 1 , there is shown a motorcycle 10 equipped withhaptic handlebars 12, a haptic seat 14 and haptic footpegs 16. Thehandlebars 12 provide haptic feedback to the rider by vibrating orchanging form. The seat 14 provides haptic feedback to the rider byvibrating, either in a central location, on the left side, on the rightside, or in multiple locations. The footpegs 16 provide haptic feedbackto the rider by vibrating. The handlebars 12, seat 14 and footpegs 16are all activated simultaneously or individually, or all on the leftside or all on the right side, and the activation is either pulsed orcontinuous depending on the message that is to be communicated to therider of the motorcycle. Where the haptic devices produce vibration, themagnitude and frequency of the vibration, and its duty cycle, are suchas to be clearly distinguishable from the normal vibrations of themotorcycle. Each different message alerts the rider of a differenthazard.

The haptic devices 12, 14, 16 are connected to a control unit 18 viaconnecting cables 20, 22, 24. The control unit 18 provides power to thehaptic devices and sends signals to them when an alert is to be given tothe rider. The control unit 18 is located piggyback on the ECU. Thehaptic devices 12, 14, 16, the control unit 18 and the connectors 20,22, 24 may be installed in the motorcycle during its production, or theymay be provided as a retrofit kit for installation after production.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a flowchart shows the keys steps that the controlunit 18 undertakes. In step 26, the control unit 18 detects a conditionthat is representative of a hazard to the rider of the motorcycle 10.The condition is detected by the control unit 18 receiving and analyzingsignals from sensors on the motorcycle 10 that are connected to thecontrol unit, receiving and analyzing signals from the engine controlunit (ECU) of the motorcycle, and/or receiving and analyzing signalsoriginating externally of the motorcycle. In step 28, the control unit18 activates one or more of the haptic devices 12, 14, 16 in response tothe control unit detecting a condition. The control unit 18 activatesthe haptic devices by sending one or more electrical signals to them.

Referring to FIG. 3 , an exemplary haptic handlebar 68 is shown. Themain structure of the handlebar 68 is a fixed, non-rotating metal tube70, about which a further tube 72 rotates or twists to control thethrottle of the motorcycle. The rotatable tube 72 is surrounded by arubber grip 74. A rigid mount 78 is fastened rigidly to the end 80 ofthe rotating handlebar tube 72. The mount 78 rigidly supports a motor 82in the end region 84 of the handlebar 68. The motor 82 has aneccentrically mounted mass 86 attached to its spindle. As an exampleonly, the mass can be 3 g centered 1 cm from the axis of rotation. Whenthe motor 82 is operated, the rotation of the eccentrically mounted mass86 causes the motor to vibrate in circular motion in a planeperpendicular to the axis 87 of the handlebar 68. The mount 78 alsoincorporates a stud cover 88, which covers the eccentrically mountedmass 86. Cables 89 connect the motor 82 to the control unit 18. It isimportant that the structure and fitting of the mount 78 are sturdy andrigid enough to efficiently transmit vibratory motion from the motor 82to the tube 72 and grip 74 of the handlebar 68.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an alternate embodiment of a haptic handlebar 90is shown. This handlebar 90 has a structural tube 91 into which a rigidmount 92 is fastened. The mount 92 rigidly supports a linearpiezoelectric actuator 93. When the actuator 93 is driven, its end 94vibrates perpendicularly to the axis 96 of the handlebar 90 andactuator, in a direction of the double-headed arrow. A rigid structureand snug fitting of the mount 92 are important so that vibrationalforces from the actuator 93 are transmitted through the mount to thestructural tube 91 of the handlebar 90. Cables 98 connect power andtransmit signals to the actuator 93. A grip may be present around thetube 91.

FIG. 5 shows a handlebar 100 with an electro-active polymer (EAP) strip102 on (or in) the top, outer region of the handlebar. FIG. 6 shows across-sectional view of the handlebar 100, where the EAP strip 102 isnot activated. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the handlebar 100,where the EAP strip is activated, and shown with deformed profile 102Ain which the strip is bowed upwards. The extent of the deformation ofthe EAP strip is sufficient to be detected by a rider holding thehandlebar 100. The position of the EAP strip 102 is chosen so as topress on the most sensitive part of the hand when the rider is holdingthe handlebar normally. In other embodiments, the EAP strip may bepositioned differently on the handlebar, or there may be two or moresuch EAP strips on each handlebar. The EAP strip 102 may be integratedin the flexible rubber grip of the handlebar. The EAP may be over-moldedwith the elastomer that is bonded to the stud cover as one part.

Referring to FIG. 8 , an alternate haptic handlebar 108 is shown. Themain structure of the handlebar 108 is a fixed, non-rotating tube 110,typically made from metal. The tube 110 is surrounded by a rubber grip112. A rigid mount 114 is inserted into and fastened to the end region115 of the handlebar 108. The mount 114 supports a motor 82 in the endregion 115 of the handlebar 108. The motor 82 has an eccentricallymounted mass 86 attached to its spindle. The motor 82 is supported byinternal ridges 120 projecting inwards from an inner surface of themount 114. The mount 114 is located firmly in place inside the handlebartube 110 by ridges 122 projecting outwards from an external surface ofthe mount. The mount 114 also incorporates a stud cover 126, whichcovers the eccentrically mounted mass 86. Cables 89 connect the motor 82to the control unit 18. The structure and fitting of the mount 114 aresturdy and rigid enough to efficiently transmit vibratory forces fromthe motor 82 to the tube 110 and grip 112 of the handlebar 108.

A resonance booster 130 projects from the mount 114, and is locatedbetween the tube 110 and the rubber grip 112. FIG. 9 shows that theresonance booster 130 is comprised of fingers, which magnify thevibrational force generated by the eccentrically rotating mass 86,and/or bring the vibrational forces closer to the rider's hand. Thishelps the vibrational motion to penetrate the smaller thickness ofrubber handgrip so that it is more easily detectable by the rider. Thestud cover 126, mount 122 and resonance booster 130 may be of unitaryconstruction, or may be connected together as separate components.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , an alternate handlebar 138 is shown,which is configured to help transmit vibrations from the motor 82 moreefficiently to the outside of the handlebar. Mounted around an inner,fixed tube 70 of the handlebar 138 is a rotatable portion 140, which iscovered with rubber grip 142. Nodules 144 project outwards from theouter surface of the rotatable tube 140, and are located incorresponding dimples or compresses areas on the inner surface of thegrip 142. The nodules 144 permit the vibrations generated by therotating eccentric mass 86 to be transmitted to the outer surface of thegrip 142 via a shorter path through the rubber material of the grip.This results in less attenuation of the vibrations compared to when thenodules 144 are not present. In other embodiments, the shape, positionand form of the nodules or other raised bumps may be different to thoseshown here.

The footpegs 16 are of a similar construction to that of the handlebarsshown in FIGS. 3, 8 and 10 , in that they include a motor with aneccentrically mounted mass on its spindle. They can also be of similarconstruction to that of FIG. 4 , in that they are configured with apiezoelectric actuator.

FIG. 12 shows a haptically enabled motorcycle seat 14, in which isembedded two haptic devices 150, 152, on the left and the right of theseat respectively. In other embodiments, there may be a different numberof haptic devices embedded in the seat. The devices are embedded justbelow the upper surface of the seat so that the vibrations aretransmitted to the rider with minimal attenuation through the softer,upper material of the seat. Cables 154 connect the haptic devices 150,152 to the control unit 18 for power and activation signals.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the control unit 18 is shown. The control unit 18includes a processor 172 and a computer readable memory 174. The memory174 stores computer readable instructions 176 in the form of a program,and also stores data 178. Various interfaces are included, such as oneor more interfaces 180 for connecting sensors 182 to the control unit18, one or more interfaces 186 for connecting the ECU 188 to the controlunit, and one or more interfaces 194 for connecting the haptic devices12, 14, 16 to the control unit. Further interfaces are included in otherembodiments, such as an interface to the internet or a cellular dataservice. This is for receiving information on hazards that are storedremotely, or for receiving updates to the program of the control unit.

Sensors include sensors for detecting the environment of the rider, andinclude one or more of a forward looking camera, a rearward lookingcamera, a sideways looking camera, a stereo vision camera, radar, lidar,a microphone and an infrared detector. Sensors 182 may also include oneor more sensors for detecting the state of the rider, such as pressureor force sensors distributed throughout the seat, pressure or forcesensors in the handlebars, and pressure or force sensors in thefootpegs. The sensors for detecting the state of the rider detect therider's position on the seat, e.g. whether neutral, forward, rearward,left or right. They can also detect the rider's ability level, comfortlevel, and intentions, such as the intention to turn before thehandlebars are actually moved.

Information the processor 172 obtains from the ECU 188 include speed,throttle setting, GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates etc.

The program 176, when executed by the processor 172, monitors signalsfrom the various inputs to the control unit 18, i.e. it monitors signalsfrom the sensors 182, the ECU 188 and/or from any other external sourceof data. The program compares signals to predetermined thresholds orthresholds which are combinations of individual thresholds stored in thedata 178, in order to detect a hazard condition. If a condition isdetected, the processor sends one or more signals to the haptic devices12, 14, 16 in order to activate them, according to an activation patternstored in the data 178.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the process that the control unit 18performs. In step 150, the processor monitors the inputs received viaone or more of the interfaces. In step 152, the processor determineswhether a threshold has been met for one of the hazards that the controlunit has been programmed to recognize. If, in this step, a threshold hasnot been met, the process reverts to step 150. If, however, a thresholdhas been met, the process advances to step 154, in which one or more ofthe haptic devices is activated. In step 156, the processor continues tomonitor the inputs. If, in step 158, the threshold is still met, thenthe process reverts to step 154, in which the haptic devices continue tobe activated. However, if the threshold is no longer met, then, in step160, the haptic devices are deactivated. By activation of the hapticdevices, it is to be understood that they are driven continually or witha series or pattern of pulses.

FIG. 15 shows an example of an activation pattern of the haptic devices12, 14, 16. In this pattern, the haptic devices are activated withrelatively short pulses 200 in pairs 202. The double pulses 202 arerepeated every second as long as the hazard persists. When the pulse isapplied, the motor 82, if used, is activated so that it rotates at 3000rpm, providing 50 Hz vibrations. If a pulse is required that is moreintense, a higher rotational speed may be used. Conversely, if a pulseis required that is less intense, a lower rotational speed may be used.In other embodiments, other rotational speeds may be used.

FIG. 16 shows an example of an activation pattern of the haptic devices12, 14, 16 when the hazard is more severe, for example. In this pattern,the haptic devices are activated continually 210 as long as the hazardpersists. The intensity of the pulse may be made stronger, for exampleby changing the rotational speed of the motor.

There are different activation patterns according to the type of themessage that is to be conveyed to the rider. TABLE 1 shows examples ofhaptic alert patterns. For example, the haptic alert pattern may be adouble pulse that is repeated simultaneously on both sides of themotorcycle, a continuous pulse on both sides of the motorcycle, a longpulse on the right side of the motorcycle, or a long pulse on the leftside of the vehicle. The intended action that is conveyed by a givenalert pattern is the same, even though the alert message may be given indifferent situations. A repeated double pulse activation patternsignifies to the rider to slow down without applying the brakes. Acontinuous pulse on both sides indicates that the rider should brakehard. A long right pulse indicates that the rider should swerve to theright. A long left pulse indicates that the rider should swerve to theleft.

TABLE 1 Haptic Alert Two pulse, Long, Pattern both sides both sides Longright Long left Intended action Roll off throttle Brake hard Swerveright Swerve left Scenario Reason for alert Tailgating Car ahead Carahead Car ahead Car ahead continues at brakes hard, brakes hard brakeshard same speed but sufficient and car and car space to behind behindbrake safely is too close is too close. Entering One or more Turning carTurning car Turning car intersection threat cues violates violatesviolates identified rider's rider's rider's right of way, right of way,right of but sufficient and car way, and space to behind car behindbrake safely is too close is too close.

One scenario where the alerts are given is when the rider is tailgating,i.e. when both the rider and the car in front are travelling at the samespeed and the gap between the two is generally too small for the riderto stop comfortably. It also applies to scenarios where the rider iscoming into a tailgating situation. If the car ahead continues at thesame speed, the rider is given a two-pulse alert, indicating that heshould roll off the throttle. If the car ahead starts to brake hard andthere is sufficient room to stop, then the rider is given a continuouspulse from the haptic devices on both sides of the motorcycle. If thecar ahead starts to brake hard and a car behind is too close for therider to stop in safety, then the rider is given a continuous pulse fromthe haptic devices on either the left side or the right side of themotorcycle, corresponding to the direction in which the rider shouldswerve.

Another scenario where the alerts are given is when the rider isentering an intersection, which may be detected by a GPS sensor, forexample. A car in the opposing direction to the rider is in the leftturn lane, waiting to make a left turn after the rider has passed. Thesensors on the motorcycle detect one or more threat cues, which includethe fact that the car is creeping, the fact that there is enough roombetween the rider and the car for the driver of the car to considerturning in advance of the rider, and the fact that the car's frontwheels are angled to its left. If one or more threat cues are detectedbut the car is not yet impeding the rider's right of way, the rider isgiven a two-pulse alert, indicating that he should roll off thethrottle. If the car ahead violates the rider's right of way and thereis sufficient room to stop safely, then the rider is given a continuouspulse from the haptic devices on both sides of the motorcycle. If thecar ahead violates the rider's right of way and a car behind the rideris too close for the rider to stop in safety, then the rider is given acontinuous pulse from the haptic devices on either the left side or theright side of the motorcycle, corresponding to the direction in whichthe rider should swerve. This scenario also corresponds to the casewhere there is no intersection but there is an oncoming car waiting toturn left after the rider has passed, for example onto a residential orcommercial property.

The haptic communication language of Table 1 can be extended ormodified. For example, different duty cycles of the alert signals may beused. Sensors on the motorcycle may detect a vehicle in the rider'sblind spot and a haptic device can alert the rider in response, eitheron the left side or right side depending on which side the hazardvehicle is. Sensors can detect that the rider intends to overtake whenit is not safe to do so, and the haptic devices can warn the rider notto proceed with the manoeuver. Haptic signals can be given to the riderif a curve is being approached too aggressively, or if the rider isgoing too fast for the current road conditions. Haptic signals may begiven to the rider to instruct him to lean more or lean less when acurve is being taken. A signal of one pulse per second may be used toinform the rider of a warning rather than a hazard.

D. Variations

While the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the subjectmatter disclosed and claimed herein has been described, other variationsare also possible.

For example, the haptic signals may be augmented with visual signalsprovided by LEDs (light emitting diodes). Audible alerts may also begiven to the rider as well as the haptic alerts. Visible and audiblesignals may be simultaneous with the haptic signals.

The haptic signaling devices may be used for notifying the rider ofsituations that are not hazardous, or are not warnings. Also, the hapticdevices may be activated in a training mode so that the rider becomesaccustomed to the feel of the haptic signals in a safe environment.

It is possible to locate the eccentrically rotating mass 86 inside thehandlebar, rather than beyond the end 80 of the handlebar tube 72.

Other sources of vibration may be used, such as an electromagneticallyoscillating arm.

Although the present invention has been illustrated principally inrelation to two-wheeled motorcycles, it has application in respect ofthree-wheeled motorcycles.

Sending a signal can be interpreted to be either the actual creation ofa signal that is transmitted from a sensor or the ceasing of a signalthat is being created by and transmitted from the sensor. Either way,the change in output of the sensor can be interpreted as a signal. Anull signal may also be considered to be a signal. The signal may, forexample, be a change in voltage, resistance, capacitance or current. Inother cases the signal may be an image or a change in an image.

In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in theplural and vice versa with no loss of generality. The use of themasculine can refer to masculine, feminine or both.

Throughout the description, specific details have been set forth inorder to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention.However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. Inother instances, well known elements have not been shown or described indetail and repetitions of steps and features have been omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specificationand drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than arestrictive, sense.

It will be clear to one having skill in the art that further variationsto the specific details disclosed herein can be made, resulting in otherembodiments that are within the scope of the invention disclosed. Othersteps may be added to the flowcharts, or one or more may be removedwithout altering the main function of the haptic alert system describedherein. Modules may be divided into constituent modules or combined intolarger modules. All parameters, dimensions, materials, andconfigurations described herein are examples only and actual values ofsuch depend on the specific embodiment. Accordingly, the scope of theinvention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined bythe following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A motorcycle comprising: a haptic devicemounted in a left handlebar of the motorcycle; a haptic device mountedin a right handlebar of the motorcycle; and a control unit connected tothe haptic devices, the control unit configured to: detect signals frommultiple sensors attached to the motorcycle; detect, from the signals,that a vehicle ahead of the motorcycle is braking; detect, from thesignals, that there is a vehicle behind the motorcycle; detect, from thesignals, whether there is sufficient space for the motorcycle to brakesafely; and activate the haptic devices in a first pattern when there issufficient space for the motorcycle to brake safely and in a secondpattern when the vehicle behind the motorcycle is too close for themotorcycle to stop safely.
 2. The motorcycle of claim 1, wherein: thefirst pattern is a simultaneous, continuous activation of the hapticdevices; and the second pattern is a continuous activation of only oneof the haptic devices.
 3. The motorcycle of claim 2, wherein the controlunit is further configured to: detect that the vehicle ahead of themotorcycle is traveling at a speed equal to a speed of the motorcycleand, in response, activate the haptic devices in a third pattern.
 4. Themotorcycle of claim 3, wherein the third pattern is a repeated doublepulse.
 5. The motorcycle of claim 1, wherein the control unit is furtherconfigured to compare the signals to thresholds stored in the controlunit in order to detect whether there is sufficient space for themotorcycle to brake safely.
 6. The motorcycle of claim 1, wherein thecontrol unit is further configured to: compare the signals to thresholdsstored in the control unit, wherein each threshold represents ahazardous condition, and at least some of the multiple sensors detectvalues of parameters of an environment in which the motorcycle ispresent, and at least some of the thresholds are based on theparameters; activate at least one of said haptic devices when one of thethresholds is met; and deactivate the activated haptic device or deviceswhen the met threshold is no longer met.
 7. The motorcycle of claim 6,wherein at least one of the multiple sensors detects a parameter of arider of the motorcycle, and at least one of the thresholds is based onthe parameter of the rider.
 8. The motorcycle of claim 6, wherein: thecontrol unit comprises an interface connected to an engine control unitof the motorcycle; the control unit is configured to obtain dataregarding a state of the motorcycle; and at least one of the thresholdsis based on the state of the motorcycle.
 9. A method for warning a riderof a motorcycle of a hazard, comprising: receiving, by a control unitconnected to the motorcycle, signals from multiple sensors attached tothe motorcycle; detecting, by the control unit, from the signals, that avehicle ahead of the motorcycle is braking; detecting, by the controlunit, that there is a vehicle behind the motorcycle; detecting, by thecontrol unit, whether there is sufficient space for the motorcycle tobrake safely; and activating, by the control unit, a haptic device ineach of a left and right handlebar of the motorcycle in a first patternwhen there is sufficient space for the rider to brake safely or in asecond pattern when the vehicle behind the motorcycle is too close forthe motorcycle to stop safely.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein: thefirst pattern is a simultaneous, continuous activation of the hapticdevices; and the second pattern is a continuous activation of only oneof the haptic devices.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:detecting, by the control unit, that the vehicle ahead of the motorcycleis traveling at a speed equal to a speed of the motorcycle; and, inresponse, activating, by the control unit, the haptic devices in a thirdpattern.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the third pattern is arepeated double pulse.
 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising thecontrol unit comparing the signals to thresholds stored in the controlunit in order to detect whether there is sufficient space for themotorcycle to brake safely.
 14. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising the control unit: comparing the signals to thresholds storedin the control unit, wherein each threshold represents a hazardouscondition, at least some of the multiple sensors detect values ofparameters of an environment in which the motorcycle is present, and atleast some of the thresholds are based on the parameters; activate atleast one of the haptic devices when one of the thresholds is met; anddeactivate the activated haptic device or devices when the met thresholdis no longer met.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising atleast one of the multiple sensors detecting a parameter of the rider ofthe motorcycle, wherein at least one of the thresholds is based on theparameter of the rider.
 16. The motorcycle of claim 14, furthercomprising the control unit obtaining data regarding a state of themotorcycle, wherein at least one of the thresholds is based on the stateof the motorcycle.
 17. A kit of parts for attachment to a motorcycle,the kit comprising: a haptic device configured to mount in a lefthandlebar of the motorcycle; another haptic device configured to mountin a right handlebar of the motorcycle; and a control unit configuredto: mount on the motorcycle; connect to the haptic devices; detectsignals from multiple sensors attached to the motorcycle; detect that avehicle ahead of the motorcycle is braking; detect that there is avehicle behind the motorcycle; detect whether there is sufficient spacefor the motorcycle to brake safely; and activate the haptic devices in afirst pattern when there is sufficient space for the motorcycle to brakesafely and in a second pattern when the vehicle behind the motorcycle istoo close for the motorcycle to stop safely.
 18. The kit of parts ofclaim 17, wherein the control unit is further configured to: detect thatthe vehicle ahead of the motorcycle is traveling at a speed equal to aspeed of the motorcycle and, in response, activate the haptic devices ina third pattern.
 19. The kit of parts of claim 17, wherein: the controlunit is further configured to compare the signals to thresholds storedin the control unit in order to detect whether there is sufficient spacefor the motorcycle to brake safely; at least one of the multiple sensorsdetects a parameter of a rider of the motorcycle; and at least one ofthe thresholds is based on the parameter of the rider.
 20. The kit ofparts of claim 17, wherein: the control unit is further configured tocompare the signals to thresholds stored in the control unit in order todetect whether there is sufficient space for the motorcycle to brakesafely; the control unit comprises an interface for connection to anengine control unit of the motorcycle; the control unit is configured toobtain data regarding a state of the motorcycle; and at least one of thethresholds is based on the state of the motorcycle.